Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh is excited to announce that beginning in the Spring of 2018, clinical counseling services will be available from St. Ann Catholic Parish in Clayton, NC for the Newton Grove Deanery. “We are constantly talking with our parish partners to understand the needs of the community.” Ms. Wanda Collazo, Newton Grove Regional Director, explained. “When local pastors approached us with a need for clinical counseling, we worked with them to identify a path to providing that service.”

The plan is to have a professionally-trained clinical counselor available to provide a Catholic approach to counseling with individuals, couples, and families. “We often work with individuals who are experiencing emotional distress, have difficulty dealing with stress, depression or anxiety, or need healing from grief, loss or strained relationships.” Collazo shared. Counseling Services are provided from a perspective which recognizes the emotional, behavioral, cognitive, spiritual and physical aspects of an individuals’ healing or growth.

During the evaluation of how Catholic Charities could best serve the Newton Grove Deanery, additional changes were discussed. It was identified that other community partners were operating food pantries and providing financial assistance to families. “Efficient service delivery is always a priority for us at Catholic Charities.” Collazo explained. “We want to prevent a duplication of service so that we can better use the limited resources that are available.” The result is that emergency assistance will no longer be available from the Newton Grove Deanery Office. A list of community resources to meet this need can be found at www.CatholicCharitiesRaleigh.org/goldsboro.

A change will also be made to disaster services offered in the area. Immediately following Hurricane Matthew, the generosity of parishioners and individuals was clear as funds were raised to assist families impacted by the flooding. Therefore the Newton Grove office will be ending assistance geared specifically towards Hurricane Matthew survivors. “Unfortunately, at some point that funding runs out, and we are now at that point.” Collazo shared. “We are proud that over the past 15 months we have been able to assist over 130 families in the Newton Grove Deanery. For families still seeking assistance in the area, Lutheran Services of the Carolinas is continuing to provide case management assistance. For more information about Lutheran Services of the Carolinas, please visit http://www.lscarolinas.net/disaster-response/lutheran-disaster-response.

Due to the reduction in services provided at the Catholic Charities Newton Grove Deanery office in Goldsboro, St. Ann Catholic Parish will now serve as the Newton Grove Deanery location for Catholic Charities services. Catholic Charities will continue to work with parishes and local partners to evaluate community needs and address those needs in the most efficient and effective way possible. Collazo explained, “Change can sometimes be a challenge, but we are excited for the new direction we are taking in the Newton Grove Deanery and expect it to have a positive impact on the community.”